Cuban Influencer Shares Her Miami Driver's License Renewal Experience

In a recent social media post, Cuban influencer and actress Eileenn Morales, famously known as "La Cubana de TikTok," shared her ordeal of spending the night in a car with her husband to renew her driver's license in a Miami office. "We're sleeping in the car; I brought a pillow and everything," Morales begins in the TikTok video. "We're here for the license, and it's 12:53, almost 1 a.m. They open at 8 a.m., and we've already marked our spot," she added.

As dawn broke at 5:46 a.m., she recorded again, capturing the chaotic scene: "It's packed with people, it's madness, and I've lost my voice." In a subsequent clip, she shared their progress in the line: "Well, we're up front now, and there are about 2,000, 3,000 people here." Eventually, she expressed relief, saying, "I'm done, I have my license. It's 8:30 in the morning. We're leaving, but there are still tons of people here. It was packed all night." Morales explained she didn't record much because she stayed in the car while her husband managed their place in line.

While she noted the renewal itself was swift, she lamented the rough night: "Everything was quick because it was just a renewal for us, but what a terrible night." Her video sparked a flood of reactions on TikTok, with many users expressing shock and frustration over the situation. Comments highlighted that similar scenes are common elsewhere in the country, though some pointed out that Miami's situation is particularly severe. Remarks like "only in Miami," "it's like Cuba," "what a shame," or "they sold me a number for $60" were prevalent. Suggestions to try other cities like Naples, Fort Myers, or Tampa, where the process is reportedly smoother, also emerged.

Discussions also arose about the possibility of renewing online. Users like @yoanamorales165 mentioned that in Texas, renewals can be done in five minutes or online, but others noted that in Miami, this option is unavailable to non-residents or non-citizens. "You can do it online nationwide, but the issue is those without residency cannot," one user opined. Another added, "In Miami, online is only for citizens."

The experience of Eileenn Morales highlights a critical issue within the Miami-Dade licensing system that has been widely reported in recent weeks. In February, reports surfaced about the DMV offices being overwhelmed due to high demand, particularly from migrants under programs like humanitarian parole, CBP One, or Temporary Protected Status (TPS). For many, securing a valid Florida license or ID is crucial for employment, medical services, or legal protection.

Even with the recent opening of a new office in downtown Miami, intended to handle renewals and address changes, long lines remain a persistent issue. This location serves up to 90 people daily, including both appointments and walk-ins, which is inadequate given the current demand.

Recently, the County Tax Collector's Office dismantled a ring involved in selling appointment slots, directly affecting appointment availability. Authorities revealed that some driving schools and individuals were booking dozens of free slots to resell them for $50 to $250, an illegal practice that blocked system access for thousands of residents. Tax Collector Dariel Fernández emphasized that appointments obtained fraudulently will not be honored, and a joint investigation with law enforcement agencies is underway.

Eileenn Morales is no stranger to visibility or controversy online. Known for candidly discussing her experiences as a migrant and sharing insights into her life in both Cuba and Miami, she has amassed a community of over 1.4 million followers on TikTok alone. Last November, she went viral for addressing those who downplay the crisis in Cuba. She has also showcased her journey from living in a small efficiency to achieving success through hard work and perseverance.

This week's events not only shed light on the challenges within the Miami-Dade licensing system but also underscore the urgent need for effective solutions to ensure fair and orderly access to this essential service.